ZSSK: New Adriatic Train Route & Efficiency Review

Bratislava, January 26, 2024

Seasonal Train to Croatia Canceled as Travelers Opt for Cars

The Slovak Railway Company (ZSSK) is discontinuing its seasonal train service from Bratislava to Split, Croatia, citing low profitability and a preference among Slovak vacationers for driving.

• ZSSK will not renew the seasonal train route this year.
• The service,operated in partnership with Austrian Railways (ÖBB),proved financially unsustainable.
• Slovak travelers largely preferred the flexibility of car travel, despite the environmental benefits of train transport.
• Ticket prices were considered high by some Slovak passengers.

This year, ZSSK will not renew the seasonal trains from Bratislava to Split, which it operated in cooperation with the Austrian state railways ÖBB.Despite praising the strong interest in the service after each season, the carrier persistent the operation was unprofitable. The decision highlights a tension between promoting eco-friendly travel options and catering to consumer preferences.

Did you know? – The direct train service previously ran three times a week during the peak summer season,offering a convenient,albeit pricier,alternative to driving for Slovak tourists heading to the Croatian coast.

“In previous seasons, it turned out that the price level of tickets was high for some Slovak passengers. At the same time, it turned out that Slovak vacationers to a large extent choose individual car transport when traveling to Croatia, even though the train is a more environmentally friendly way of travel,” ZSSK said in a statement. This suggests a price sensitivity among travelers and a desire for the convenience of personal vehicles.

The carrier stated it “reassessed the economic effectiveness of this connection and the model of cooperation with a foreign partner.” While the train offered a perhaps greener alternative, the financial realities ultimately led to its cancellation.

Pro tip – When planning European rail travel, consider purchasing a Eurail pass if you intend to travel extensively by train.Passes can offer notable savings compared to individual ticket purchases.

Currently, ÖBB still lists the train in its reservation system, but tickets are unavailable for purchase. The service previously ran three times a week, providing a direct connection for travelers between Slovakia and the Croatian coast.

Reader question – Do you think rail companies should prioritize profitability or environmental sustainability when making route decisions? Share your thoughts!

Why are more travelers choosing cars over trains for trips to Croatia? The Slovak Railway Company found that many travelers prioritized the convenience and flexibility of driving, even with the higher environmental impact.